I have started writing a novel about the current socio-political climate of Bangladesh, a small, but populous country in South-Asia. I was wondering if that would be a good idea to carry on or should I go back to my regular YA about teenage starlets. Both are a commentary of the South-Asian society, which is currently on the brink to becoming completely "westernised" or "modernised", driven by the large youth population and their object of worship, the Internet. Both deal with the conflict of traditions and liberalisation, of consumerism and charity, and of the rich, the mega rich, the poor and the destitute. However, one is more microscopic, looking into the lives of the rich and their attitudes towards others as symbols for the society, while the other lets the protagonist face different circumstances and problems in the society to form the narrative, and is more macroscopic.As such, this would be far more real-time and current in material, than the other which could probably be set in 2008 or 20014 and still appear relevant.

Here's the link to the first concept, whose title isn't too favourable: "Backpack and Bengal: Saliha's Journey"

My other novel idea is the one I mentioned about on my profile, called : "Silent Voices".

I would be very grateful if anyone would leave me any comments on BBSJ, be it good or bad. I am not worried about grammar at the moment as I shall be re-drafting, but I would love to hear how the ideas expressed goes down with people. :)

It's terrific that you've found your subject of choice, and it's a good one. I don't think it matters too much which subject you pursue, because the politics will bleed into your writing regardless. Thus whichever storyline (e.g. plot) is more interesting, you should focus on that, and let the Bengali politics assert itself as it will. Several general cautions, because I can't compare the two pieces, as you've only one here.1. It will be more difficult to write the macro, as you're saying you'll have to be more accurate to the appropriate year. If that level of detail will get in the way (i.e. you have to stop and research whether that politician had already come into power in June, or did that happen later?) that may be a reason to stick with the micro. 2. It doesn't seem like you feel strongly that you should let go of the first idea yet, it seems like you're thinking of switching just because you're excited about this other idea because it's new. One of the biggest set-backs to becoming a writer is that people don't finish what they start. That may be reason enough to stick with it, or what if next month you have yet another new idea?

One more bit of advice, and this a critique you didn't ask for: be careful in that you have a tendency in this sample to write obvious exposition. For example, this section: "It's half of this country's political code book, which contains only two phrases..." is actually pretty cute/funny/cheeky, but it's ruined a bit in that the way it's phrased it's obviously there to provide exposition for the reader, which reminds the reader that she's reading, which takes us out of the story. It's good that you're putting exposition in the dialog, but it needs to feel natural and real, like someone really said it.

For example, a real person might say, "come on, the little green book only has two-phrases" (instead put name of book, which I don't have a clue what it would be) but by saying "this country's political code book" it's like the character thinks she has to explain to the reader what book she is talking about, whereas a real person would just name the book. We can figure out what the book is from the context clues.

About this group

The Critiques Wanted group is aimed at authors who are looking for serious, detailed critiques and assessments of their work. If you think you've got a great piece of writing, gather up your courage and post it here for review.

If you're just looking for a quick pat on the back, or simply for someone to "read my story", this may not be the group for you. Instead, you'll be best served if you really want some solid discussion regarding what you're doing right or wrong, and how you can improve your writing, both technically and stylistically.